Weekend Date Challenge: 6 Reasons to Take Yourself on a Date

Especially when you're newly single, a major bummer about being on your own is that you don't have a built-in Saturday night companion. Sure, you've got plenty of friends and new guys to go out with, but learning to be your own companion is a good move for every woman.

Single or in a relationship, I'm a huge advocate of an occasional night out by yourself. You may be thinking, "A night to myself? I do that every weekend with a package of Oreos, last week's episode of Smash, and sporadic tears. But thanks for reminding me, Gena." Oh yeah, I do those nights too. No shame in that. But what I mean is not a lazy night in, which is great, but an actual solo night OUT.

One of the nicest nights I ever had was last summer was a date with myself. I went to see Midnight in Paris (which I loved), strolled around Washington Square Park with a street vendor hot dog (dude, don't judge me. Hot dogs are delicious even if they are disgusting) and then got off the subway several stops before necessary to walk home through Brooklyn at night. It felt relaxing, spontaneous, romantic and kind of magical, especially considering I was about to leave New York City and head for Paris. And hey, my month in Paris was basically four weeks of taking myself out on dates like afternoon strolls through museums, picnic lunches, and long dinners in cafes (OK, I did sometimes bring my laptop or a book for company). You know what? It was a great relationship.

Here are some reasons to consider taking yourself out on a date this weekend, even if it means ditching your man or your friends for a night.

You get to do exactly what you want. You don't have to compromise and go to that stupid chain restaurant he likes to convince him to take you to see The Lucky One (What? Zac Efron is hot, you guys).To get over your fear of being alone. Even if you have a guy, getting over the idea that spending time on your own in public is embarrassing or boring is important for your sense of self-worth and independence.You might be surprised that some things can actually be more fun on your own. Like the movie example: 1) Popcorn all to yourself and 2) Nobody trying to talk to you during the previews.__The primping is just for you.__Boyfriend hates your new wedge sneakers? Boyfriend won't be rolling his eyes at you tonight, and you don't have to spend the whole evening worried your boobs will fall out of the sexy dress you might have worn for him.You'll be more interesting for it. You don't want to be that girl who can never make a decision on a date ("I don't care, you pick!" Barf.) or who can only speak in terms of "we"--We like that restaurant, we hated that new exhibit. Spending time on your own keeps you on your toes in developing your own opinions and memories.Honestly, it's just fun sometimes. Other people enjoy your company, right? So why shouldn't you? Girl, you're fun to hang out with.

Do you ever take yourself out on dates? What's your fave solo activity? Are there some things you just feel embarrassed to do alone? (I admit, I'm still pretty hesitant about dinners alone)

Check out some date ideas (and see if you can make them work by yourself!):